A solar eclipse always arrives on a new moon, though most New Moons never become eclipses. That's what makes this one a headline. Think of it as the universe's opening night. Whatever you're ready to build, launch or become gets an extra dose of momentum. Read on for your emerging talent and a mantra to help you use it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your emerging talent: Making ambitious goals doable, or even easy. New Moon Mantra: Big accomplishments are built over time with manageable steps. I keep stacking smart decisions until one day people call it an overnight success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your emerging talent: Disarming powerful people with your authenticity. New Moon Mantra: Titles are not inherently impressive. It's the person who makes the title and not the other way around. I relate easily to those who value what I do.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your emerging talent: You take a kernel of hope and grow it into something substantial. New Moon Mantra: Life-changing achievements start with little beginnings. I sense the promise in myself and others and keep investing in what works.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your emerging talent: Reading the room. New Moon Mantra: I take a moment to assess the vibes and guess at the wants, needs and interests of the people around me so my conversations, presentations and general way of showing up begin on a strong footing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your emerging talent: Landing on your feet. New Moon Mantra: Wherever life drops me, I find my way. I figure out how to work the scene, stay balanced and keep serving the purposes that are important to me.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your emerging talent: Sensing and taking your moment. New Moon Mantra: I somehow know when to jump in and I simply trust the instinct and follow through. I'm patient, I'm confident, and I'm always paying attention.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your emerging talent: Mastering what's difficult and explaining what's complicated. New Moon Mantra: I don't stop asking questions until I understand it so thoroughly that I can explain it over lunch with a napkin and a pen.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your emerging talent: Getting to the right question and being bold enough to ask it. New Moon Mantra: With careful observation, relentless curiosity and the patience to pursue an issue until the logic adds up, I get to the bottom of things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your emerging talent: Finding the ethical shortcut. New Moon Mantra: My instinct is for directness and efficiency. I save myself and others from meandering and needless labor. I move with confidence and forge new paths.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your emerging talent: Becoming unforgettable. New Moon Mantra: I turn ordinary things into adventures, do remarkable work and deliver a unique experience. Knowing me is a treat.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your emerging talent: Astounding discernment. New Moon Mantra: I see what's worth fixing and what's worth leaving alone. I don't waste time polishing things that don't matter. My eye goes straight to the one adjustment that changes everything.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your emerging talent: Envisioning and creating the future. New Moon Mantra: I believe in a better tomorrow. I see things that don't exist yet. With endless creativity, I find ways of bringing beautiful visions into reality.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 12). It's your Year of the Observatory. There are marvels, solutions and breakthroughs to be drawn into focus. What you learn will make many lives richer, including your own. More highlights: Your interests expand, and you'll learn cultures, communication styles and operational methods to become masterful in new realms. You gain access Gemini and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 25, 13, 1 and 40.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Casey Affleck may seem an atypical Leo, as his version of theatricality is less "large and in charge" and more mysteriously mesmerizing. Alas, charisma has many forms, and Affleck's tends to draw the audience in with understatement rather than spectacle. Natal Mercury and Venus in Virgo point to remarkable discipline, while the strong Libra energy in his chart indicates taste and artistry suited to emotionally rich storytelling.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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